Netherlands have winger Memphis Depay to thank as the youngster inspired the Dutch to come back from 2-1 down and beat Australia 3-2 which all but books their place in the next round of the World Cup.

The PSV Eindhoven winger only came onto the pitch after left-back Bruno Martins Indi suffered a concussion before half time, but his introduction, and the change of tactics from 5-3-2 to 4-3-3 transformed the disappointing Dutch side in the second half, and led them to victory.

For the first 45 minutes, Netherlands were poor, and only went ahead against a determined Australia thanks to a moment of individual brilliance from Arjen Robben, who turned his marker on half way before storming up the pitch and finding the bottom corner.

Louis van Gaal’s side was too predictable going forward with the midfield unable to gain any control, and the defence was forced into lumping long balls forward to an isolated Robin van Persie.

Australia were firmly in control, and after Tim Cahill’s stunning volley leveled the match at 1-1, they put the Dutch under constant pressure before the break.

However, Depay changed the flow of the match in the second half, with the winger looking to take defenders on, and run with the ball towards goal, something that was missing from his team-mates before his introduction.

After Australia took the lead through a dubious penalty, Depay began the comeback as he turned on the box before threading a perfect ball through to Van Persie, who smashed it into the net.

Depay is know in Netherlands for scoring some brilliant goals from range, but Australia’s defenders were clearly not aware of this when they allowed the winger to have room 30 yards from goal on 67 minutes. The PSV youngster sent a wickedly curling effort into the bottom corner past the despairing Australian goalkeeper, and won the game for Netherlands.

At 20-years-old, Depay is now the youngest ever Dutchman to score at a World Cup finals, and also the only one to ever score and provide an assist from the bench. His World Cup debut could not have been better.

Before the World Cup began, Depay was already making headlines after being heavily linked with Manchester United, but his performance today will no doubt have elevated the youngster into a global star.

By no means the finished article, Depay still has a lot to learn and would benefit from staying in the Eredivisie for at least another year. However, if the youngster keeps up this level of performance, then PSV will have a huge task of persuading the determined player to remain at the club, as Champions League sides come calling for Netherlands’ biggest talent.

Robben may have been named as the official man of the match, but Netherlands would have been staring at defeat if not for the hugely talented Depay.